Best Bet
1. Pittsburgh Steelers (-3) vs. Denver Broncos
It was only a matter of time before the Broncos came crashing down to earth. The Ravens, in their 30-7 romp over Denver last Sunday, exposed some of the weaknesses on this offense, namely Kyle Orton’s inability to throw down field, and you can expect the Steelers to follow that blue print.
You can also expect Pittsburgh to play a physical game and wear the Broncos down offensively and defensively. Our best bet will win by at least one TD on Monday Night.
Next In Line
2. Arizona Cardinals (+3) vs. Chicago Bears
The Cardinals have been anything but true to form in 2009; they’re 1-3 at home, 3-0 on the road. Look for that to be 4-0 come Sunday as they’ll not only cover the point spread, but win outright. Offensively, the Cardinals will attack Chicago’s secondary with Fitzgerald, Boldin and Breaston, and the Bears will have few answers for this talented trio of receivers. Defensively, look for Arizona to bring a creative blitz package and confuse Jay Cutler into throwing picks.
3. Green Bay Packers (-10) vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Packers are coming off an agonizing loss but will rebound with a big time performance in Tampa Bay. Offensively, look for Rodgers and Co. to pretty much have their way with this defense and defensively, having the luxury to face Josh Freeman, who’s making his first professional start, expect Dom Capers game plan to incorporate complex blitzes which force the rookie into multiple sacks and turnovers.
4. Cincinnati Bengals (+3) vs. Baltimore Ravens
See Money Line Analysis
Others We Like
Atlanta Falcons (-10) vs. Washington Redskins
The issues facing the Redskins are too numerous to be corrected over a bye week. So, expect the same inept offense we’ve seen over the first half of the season to show up on Sunday minus TE Chris Cooley. The Falcons are in a bit of a slide themselves, but will get back into the win column with a rout over the downtrodden Skins. Expect Atlanta to pound the ball with Michael Turner and utilize the play-action to create big passing plays for the offense.
San Francisco 49ers (-4) vs. Tennessee Titans
The 49ers played well in two tough road losses and come home to face the 1-6 Titans. And regardless of Chris Johnson’s prediction, which is nothing short of ridiculous, expect a methodical offensive game plan for the Niners complemented by a stellar defensive effort.
Indianapolis Colts (-9) vs. Houston Texans
The loss of TE Owen Daniels is a huge loss to the Texans offense. It completely changes the way opposing defenses prepare for them and takes away Matt Schaub’s safety valve when Andre Johnson is receiving double coverage. Look for Indy to recognize this and put extra attention on No. 80. And offensively, look for Manning to have a big day through the air and for the Colts to put 30 on the board.
Money Line
Cincinnati Bengals (+160) vs. Baltimore Ravens
The Bengals went into Baltimore in Week Five and upset the Ravens on a last second TD pass. This time, the scene shifts to Cincinnati.
The Ravens impressive showing against the Denver Broncos doesn’t necessarily mean that they’ve fixed their pass defense, it just means that they capitalized on Kyle Orton’s inability to stretch the field. But Palmer and Co. can stretch the field on any play and this will force Baltimore to tone down their aggressiveness for fear of getting beat deep.
Cincinnati will also feed the ball to Cedric Benson who found great success the last time these two teams played (120 yards, one TD). While finding running lanes will probably be more difficult this time around, it will keep the offense balanced.
Defensively, Cincinnati will focus on taking away Baltimore’s passing game and have two pretty solid corners to do so (Leon Hall and Jonathan Joseph). Look for a variety of blitzes to keep Joe Flacco from finding a rhythm. Ray Rice will be hard to contain but the Bengals scheme will do its best to keep him in check.
What no one would have believed coming into the season will be a reality after Week Nine; the Bengals will sit atop the AFC North standings with a 6-2 record and effectively be two games up on the Ravens after the season sweep.
2009 Record Against The Point Spread
Overall 63%
Best Bets 4-4
Next In Line 17-7
Others We Like 12-12
Money Line 6-2
